Have you ever been in an older church or cathedral and marveled at the amazing sound when the choir sings or the organist plays? The high ceilings, stone walls and floors, and overall design helps the sound carry and reverberate to the furthest corner of the church. Today, because of microphones and sound systems, often less attention is paid to church acoustics. However, as an architecture firm, we believe that how sound carries, the placement of speakers and sound equipment matters as much, if not more, in today’s church architecture.
Why it Matters
Although your church worship team likely uses microphones and amplifiers, you want it to sound good. You also want everyone, no matter where they sit, to hear the same thing at approximately the same volume. When your preacher or pastor stands up to deliver their sermon, you don’t want their voice to echo. You also don’t want part of the room to feel yelled at while others strain to hear.
Acoustical Design & Equipment Must Work Together
There are two portions of church acoustics design: the space your architecture firm designs and what your sound engineer creates. They need to work together for a pleasant-sounding space. Some of the elements your engineer may request include a support system in the ceiling for hanging speakers and monitors as well as wiring from speakers to audio equipment. Wiring and jacks for microphones and instruments may be necessary. In addition to these items which make the equipment work, they may also ask for acoustical treatments for walls and ceilings to reduce reverberation.
Other Elements That Impact Church Acoustics
As you and your architecture firm, designer, and sound engineer discuss the church acoustics, they may remind you that everything in the worship space can influence sound absorption and reflection. Both big things like the the shape of the room and the height of the ceiling can impact sound. Seemingly smaller decisions like your floor material also impact sound. Resilient flooring reflects more sound than carpet which absorbs more sound. And seating, both placement and material, can impact sound as well.
Don’t Forget to Discuss Sound in All Large Open Areas
If you plan on having a fellowship hall or large lobby where congregants can gather and meet, discuss with your architect how the acoustics in that space will impact conversation. Can seating areas help cut down on noise? Are there options for wall décor that enhance the overall feel of the space while still creating the look and feel your designer and your team want? These are just a few questions to discuss during the design phase.
Let Sandbar Architecture Create You New House of Worship
We understand the complexities of church architecture. Whether you are in the early phases of exploring cost and feasibility or ready to begin designing your new facility, the Sandbar Architecture team is ready to help. Schedule your initial consultation by clicking here to schedule an appointment or call us at (727) 308-1773 today.